ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com

---

Households that need help paying their heating bills this winter can begin applying for assistance from the Home Energy Assistance Program on Nov. 16. The program provides financial assistance to help low-income and elderly New Yorkers keep their homes warm in the winter months.

"The Home Energy Assistance Program is vital to helping struggling households afford the costs of heating their homes during the cold New York winters," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. "It provides some much-needed relief, especially for low-income working families, as well as senior citizens on a fixed income. I encourage anyone in need of this assistance to apply before the coldest weather sets in."

The Home Energy Assistance Program is funded by the federal government and is overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.  Eligible households can receive a one-time benefit of up to $625 this winter depending upon income, household size and heating source. For the upcoming season, a household of four can earn up to $51,792, or $4,316 a month, and still qualify for assistance.

Last winter, 1.48 million households -- including 143,915 in Western New York -- received benefits through the program.

For more information about the Home Energy Assistance Program, go to http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap.

---

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.